NEWS

Created on Thursday, 30 July 2015 12:31

ARTISAN BRAIDERSBeauty that makes a difference. Braidex has an initiative in Nigeria which makes a difference in peoples lives

One of the core missions of BRAIDEX is a true concern for the well being of all communities in which we operate. The management of BRAIDEX aims to create small in -house workshops of approximately 20 artisan women braiders from the urban city of Enugu and the rural community of Ohuhu Nsulu in Nigeria. This is the first pilot scheme and we hope to extend production to more surrounding areas as we grow. We employ mainly women artisan braiders. Most of the women in these regions are either house wives with little or no formal education or subsistence farmers.

The age-old tradition of braid weaving is usually passed down from grandmother to granddaughter. This helps to preserve Ibo culture as the grandmothers have the opportunity to recite oral history and stories to the younger generations as they all weave and braid together. These women have exceptional skills, and have very few options for other work. They are often victims of domestic violence discrimination and extreme poverty, they are often the sole support for their families but despite their situations, they have been able to produce work of astonishing beauty.

Through an innovative approach that combines the traditional family method with more advanced technologies the management of BRAIDEX are trying to address the causes of cyclical poverty rather than the effects. Buying our hair products provides the artisans education, tools, and access to international markets so they can build their own businesses and invest in their own communities and support women's economic independence The purchase of our product helps bring sustainable change to impoverished communities in Ohuhu Nsulu and surrounding villages.

Our organization aims to guide them and help them achieve a better future by giving training on the art that allows them to work with groups for a long time. . By training artisans to produce quality braids, the organization offers the community a foothold in the global marketplace, helping to create greater income-generating opportunities for local women. In the process of competing for global market share, Nigerian women come together to discuss common problems and solutions, learn from one another, and celebrate milestones within the group.

The artisans are provided employment opportunities to work in our workshop and also offered the opportunity to work at home, making them available for their children, and other domestic duties, while earning financial independence. The workplace represents mutual appreciation, dedication, and respect, and the beautiful products that result, reflects that.